Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

Today in the News Media

Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media.

Oregon State University technicians have documented more than a hundred pools of mosquitoes in eastern Oregon that have tested positive for West Nile virus, and though no human cases have yet been reported, the state is urging caution.

With the discovery of West Nile virus in mosquitoes, birds and horses in Eastern Oregon, health officials urged residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites. In July and early August, scientists at the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory detected the virus in Baker, Malheur, Morrow and Umatilla counties, with the highest concentration of infected mosquitoes in the latter two areas.

The market rate for grass seed is running at about 18 cents a pound, according to Oregon State University. The cost to grow is as much as 26 cents a pound. And the burning ban will mean even higher cots, say some growers.

The wood science team at Oregon State University is working on a project to use microcrystalline cellulose, a material produced from tree fibers, as an alternative to silica for tire reinforcement.

Today

Helen Richardson will be retiring from Oregon State University after 32 years of dedicated service in various departments across campus. She recently relocated from Extended Campus to the University Administrative Business Center, where she is serving as the Purchasing Agent. Helen will be greatly missed by those who know her and have worked with her. Please join us from noon – 1:30 p.m. in Ballard 104 and help us celebrate with Helen.

A celebration of Oregon’s food and agriculture is featured in a traveling exhibit of award-winning photos called Savory Images now on display at LaSells Stewart Center. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Murdock Gallery. Hors d’oeuvres provided by OSU Catering and wine available for purchase by the glass from WineStyles.

Bard in the Quad: Twelfth Night. This outdoor production in the MU Quad at the heart of the OSU campus runs through Aug. 16. All performances begin at 7:30 P.M. Seating is not provided, so audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on. Tickets are available over the phone at 541-737-2784, through the Memorial Union office and in the center of the Memorial Union Quad prior to each performance between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. Ticket prices are $14/Adult, $10/Senior (over 55) and Student, and $7/OSU Student.

Upcoming Events

Join President Ray, Provost Randhawa, VP Cassady, and the Research Office Team for the 2009 OSU Research Orientation, Nov. 13 in LaSells Stewart Center, 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program will introduce new faculty to the Research Enterprise at OSU. In addition to an overview of the many services offered by the Research Office to support faculty success; this year the orientation experience has been re-vitalized by adding first hand information from knowledgeable faculty about how they have made successful use of the OSU system. There will be lively discussion, interaction with specialists, helpful handouts, breakfast, lunch, and an opportunity to network with future collaboration partners. Sign up through the OSU Registration Website http://oregonstate.edu/training/ under course title “Research New Faculty Orientation.”

Please join the office of Community and Diversity as we release the newest Voices Project video, Being Latina/o… The screening and discussion will be held Aug. 17 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the MU Journey Room. In Being Latino/a, OSU faculty, staff and students share the opportunities and challenges of being Latina/o at OSU and in Corvallis. They address issues such as what they like to be called and why; positive and negative aspects of their culture portrayed in the media; barriers they have overcome; whether the Spanish language is an important part of their identity; their views on immigration; their involvement in the community around their cultural traditions; their advice to people who want to know more about their culture and what they see in the future for Latina/os in the U.S. Meet PROMISE Intern and director Amalia Martinez and hear from a panel of participants in this, the latest addition to the Voices Project.
For more current and upcoming events, go to http://oregonstate.edu/events/

News for Employees

NEW! The Research Office is requesting Letters of Intent from interested faculty for the National Institutes of Health – Outstanding New Environmental Scientist (ONES) Award (R01). Only one application per college or school within a university will be accepted by NIH. Guidance for preparation of Letters of Intent to the Research Office and full detail for the NIH – ONES program can be found at:http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/ones.html. Letters of Intent should be submitted electronically as a MS Word or PDF document to Debbie Delmore, Research Office at:debbie.delmore@oregonstate.eduby Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. If you have any questions, contact Debbie Delmore at 737-8390.

If you are interested in obtaining a license for an Adobe Connect Pro virtual classroom – now is your chance. Extension will be renewing our annual contract with Adobe on September 1. The cost for a license is $150/year. Each room requires at least one person to hold a license and be the named ‘organizer’ of that room. Each Connect room can hold 100 attendees with communication via VOIP or Chat. Additional information can be found at: http://tss.oregonstate.edu/softdist/adobe_connect/index.shtml.
In the past year Extension has made use of the Connect rooms for training, meetings, and presentations – enabling us to connect with colleagues across the state without incurring travel costs. If your department or college is interested in purchasing rooms on this contract, please Karen Watte at Karen.Watte@oregonstate.edu with the number of rooms you would like to purchase and the index to charge. Please note that we will provide initial setup but that we cannot provide extended support to non-Extension license holders. Please contact Karen no later than Aug. 19, with your request.

Systems Analyst/Programmer Position Opening in Central Web Services: Electronic application available at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs Posting #0004561
For more detail/requirements of position visit the jobs site or the direct link at: http://jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=55398 Deadline to apply is Aug. 18. This is an Internal Search, and is open to current, regular status OSU employees only.

University Housing and Dining Services is ready to accept welcome materials to be placed in student residence halls! As in previous years, we are able to put fliers and welcome materials in residence halls prior to student arrival. This opportunity is limited to OSU affiliated offices, clubs or student groups. To participate, please contact dave.warneking@oregonstate.edu, (541) 737-5622 for important details. Deadline for welcome materials is Sept. 8.

The Office of Academic Planning and Assessment invites applications for an Assistant to the Director & Curriculum Coordinator. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term professional faculty position. This is an Internal Search, and is open to current, regular status OSU employees only. Position details and qualifications can be found at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. Posting # 0004530. Posting closes Aug. 21.

Traffic and Maintenance

All buildings: Due to testing of the steam distribution system from the new Energy Center, contractors have scheduled steam to be sent from the Energy Center to all campus buildings. During this period you may experience fluctuations in steam pressure, this will affect all equipment utilizing steam services. The shutdown will begin at 6 a.m. on Aug. 17 and should continue through Aug. 28.

Transit and Parking Services Administrative Office will be closed to front counter business every Friday for the month of August. You may still contact us by phone from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Weather

Today would be a great time to find a convenient river bank or obliging stream to dip your toes into as the dragonflies sail by. Summer won’t be on her way out for a while, but she’s making us realize why we want to hang onto an Oregon August as long as we can. Highs today will reach 77 with an overnight low of 55. Tomorrow will warm to 79.